S. Korean and Chinese leaders hold summit in Peru, exchange state visit invitations

Leaders discuss bilateral issues, regional security

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit in Lima, Peru on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where they discussed bilateral issues and regional security concerns.

Key takeaways

• The two leaders exchanged state visit invitations, with Xi expected to visit South Korea in the first half of 2023 and Yoon to visit China at a later date.
• They agreed to strengthen cooperation on trade, investment, and infrastructure, and to work together to address global challenges such as climate change and the North Korean nuclear threat.
• Yoon expressed concern over North Korea's recent missile tests, and Xi called for a peaceful resolution to the issue through dialogue and negotiation.

Background

The summit was the first meeting between Yoon and Xi since Yoon took office in May 2022. Relations between South Korea and China have been strained in recent years, due to disagreements over historical issues and China's support for North Korea.

Implications

The summit is seen as a positive step in improving relations between South Korea and China. The exchange of state visit invitations signals a willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and cooperation.

Expert analysis

"This summit is a significant development in South Korea-China relations," said Dr. Lee Seong-hyon, a professor of international relations at Seoul National University. "It shows that both countries are committed to improving their ties and working together to address common challenges."

Conclusion

The summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping was a positive step in improving relations between the two countries. The exchange of state visit invitations signals a willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and cooperation. The summit also highlighted the importance of addressing regional security concerns, including the North Korean nuclear threat.